Ordo Rosarius Equilibrio are one of the stalwarts of the neo-folk scene, while Spiritual Front are relative newcomers. The idea of a collaboration between the young Turks and scene veterans is not a fresh idea, but one that succeeds in varying degrees. One of the more notable examples is the Mayhem and The Meads of Asphodel split 12", and it works wonderfully. Unlike the aforementioned split, the featured bands are not polar opposites, as borne out by the collaborations which bookend this CD. Yet while each is perfectly capable of holding their own solo, together they are just horrible. It would have been logical to assume that they would complement each other -- but instead they seem to cancel each other out. It probably sounded like an interesting concept on paper, but their execution leaves a lot to be desired.

Considering they have a number of years under their belt, it is not surprising that Ordo Rosarius Equilibrio dish up superior fare. Their melodies are divine, combining equal doses of melancholy and contemplation.

Italian newcomers Spiritual Front fare less well, having a dark -- and dare I say gothic -- edge. Their vocalist has a considerable range, going from a stylised and ludicrous "sexy goth" a la Fernando Ribeiro (Moonspell) to sounding eerily like Ulver's Garm at his peak. However, they lack the sublime melodies and inspired key tinkling of their companions.

In short, a decent collaboration. Ordo Rosarius Equilibrio demonstrate once again why they are one of the masters, while Spiritual Front's potential is, I feel, only partly realised. Pity about the collaborations.